Contractor information
 

The "Villages" provide a great resource through this site, are there any Villages department/agency that has insurance and bonding information on the contractors who advertise here?

I seriously doubt that something like that exists, or ever could. Even if it did, someone would need to verify the accuracy of the information at least every month. If you want to hire a contractor who has insurance, you would need to get a letter from the insurance company stating the type of coverage, the limits of liability, and the expiration date of the policy. Also, even if the contractor has insurance, it is his/her policy, not yours. So, if an incident occurs, you cannot file a claim against the contractor's policy. Only the contractor could file a claim, if he chooses to do so. If the contractor disappears, you are out of luck, even if he had insurance.

This is what I got from them "
Yes, we do a lot of work for The VCDD, Commercial Property Management, etc. We are required to keep our insurance information up to date with them each year." I will have to find out if this applies to work on my property

Licensed Contractors
 

Any licensed contractor has to carry insurance and be bondable. Check out any licensed contractor here: Licensing Portal - License Search

I called the Villages Risk management they told me that insurance that the contractor has for doing business with them would not cover ME !!

Google search tells me that a contractor who installs pavers in Florida does not have to be licensed

How to find out if a Business is Legal
 

When a Contractor comes to your house make him give you an actual copy of his current Insurance. Check the "Dates". You can also go to Sunbiz.org enter the name of the Company and check if its Legal. We have to produce our current Ins policy every year, to keep our LLC Status.
Some professions are not required to get a license. We do not know how some of these companies can advertise they have a license when one doesn't exist for their trade. Do your research before hiring anyone. No money up front if the job is under $5,000.

READ THE ACTUAL INSURANCE POLICY AND ASK FOR A COPY.

I hope this helps Len & Mary. The retired half of Investment Painting Contractors.

Call the insurance company to make sure the policy is paid up and valid

I question the accuracy of this statement. I was in the P&C insurance for over 20 years, and claimants would quite often file a claim against a contractor, even if the contractor did not. An investigation would be made, interviewing both parties to determine liability. I don’t think anything has changed in that respect.

I think if you have filed a lawsuit against the contractor, you may be able to get the insurance company to consider an insurance claim. But, if there is no lawsuit, the insurance company will stand behind their client. I cannot imagine an insurance company paying a claim to you without the contractor's acknowledgement and consent. Most people do not want to file a lawsuit.

Besides all else, check BBB and see their ratings

Thank you for the info , haven't heard back from the contractor yet about liability INS, but SUNBIZ has them listed with an up to date status , does this mean they have liability INS?

You should always ask to see certificates of insurance from any contractor performing work on your property. This includes general liability coverage, as well as Worker's Comp. If they refuse to provide that verification, find another contractor.

Excellent advice, and again and again no money up front, no money up front, no money up front,.

Advice
 

Florida is well known for having some of the worst fake contractors as well as lawn service guys. Make sure even if you get the pieces of paper that say insured and licensed you do 10 minutes of homework call the insurance company to make sure it's really in effect it has been paid as well as sunbiz.org.
There are a few lawn service guys that are well over 200 people were taken for because they paid $1,000 or more in advance because of big splashy hands and great pricing. On the other hand we are lucky to have some very good air conditioning companies plumbers and electricians that have been in business for several decades in Florida and while they may or may not have the best prices they turn out to be very reliable DeSantis, munns for air conditioning, Dunstan as well as Kylie and sons, dove for plumbing. Well no one is perfect but these several have again been around forever. Enjoy your beautiful retirement and remember if the price is too good to be true or even if it's not no money up front even if it's a huge project.